Joshua 6:9 - The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the ark went after them. The trumpets sounded as they went.

Generated Verse: Joshua 6:9

What does "Joshua 6:9" mean?


This verse, Joshua 6:9, describes a specific part of the procession around the city of Jericho before its miraculous fall. Let's break down what it means:

"The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets...": This indicates a military vanguard. Armed soldiers (likely representing the tribes of Israel) led the procession. This served a dual purpose: protection from potential attack and a show of force to intimidate the defenders of Jericho. Behind them were the priests, whose role was primarily religious.

"...and the ark went after them.": The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments, was the physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites. Its position in the procession after the armed men and priests, but before the rest of the people, emphasizes its central importance. It was the driving force behind the entire operation. They were not relying on their military strength alone, but primarily on God's power.

"The trumpets sounded as they went.": The continual sounding of the trumpets (shofars, likely made of ram's horns) served several symbolic functions:
A call to battle (spiritual warfare): Trumpets were often used to signal the start of a battle, and in this case, it was a spiritual battle against the Canaanite stronghold of Jericho.
A sign of praise and worship: The sound was an act of reverence and acknowledgement of God's power.
A terrifying psychological weapon: The relentless, rhythmic sound was intended to unnerve the inhabitants of Jericho. It created an atmosphere of anticipation and dread.
Obedience to God's command: It was part of God's specific instructions to Joshua.

In summary:

The verse describes a highly ordered and symbolic procession. It wasn't just a military march; it was a religious act of obedience and faith. The armed men led for protection and as a show of force, the priests blew trumpets to invoke God's power and create a fearful atmosphere, and the Ark of the Covenant followed, representing God's presence and guidance in the campaign. This combination of military presence, religious observance, and divine symbol underscores the Israelites' belief that their victory was not by their own might but through God's intervention.